"Oh, holy night!"

Whether it's stress, late-night food, afternoon coffee, or a shift in your daily schedule, your body's ability to repair itself is easily affected. You may feel at times like you're experiencing sporadic insomnia, or perhaps the sleep you get just isn't enough to make you feel rested. It is important to pinpoint what keeps you awake, but also what enables you to relax. Try these simple tips the next time you need some solid shut-eye:

1) Avoid caffeine and alcohol several hours before bedtime. And remember, most teas—green, white, jasmine, even some labelled "decaffeinated," contain caffeine.

2) Don't go to bed hungry, but avoid eating late-evening snacks. If, after dinner, your stomach cries out for more, try a warm glass of milk—it contains tryptophan, a natural sleep aid.

3) Use the bed only for sleep and sexual activity. Most sleep experts believe it is important to create a direct association with sleep and your bed.

4) Create your own slumber oasis. Make your bedroom as serene, dark, quiet, and relaxing as possible.

5) Get up at the same time each morning.

6) Develop relaxation rituals such as reading, taking a bath, going for a walk, stretching, deep-breathing exercises or listening to music before you sleep.

7)If you can't slow your mind down to snooze after 30 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and engage in a relaxing activity.

8) Get daily exercise, but avoid strenuous activity within three to four hours of going to bed.

9)Try to avoid late weekend nights, followed by late afternoon sleep-ins. It will throw off your rest routine.

hmmm.. dont like #1 very much.. or #8.. or #9.. and.. as to #3.. *sigh* ..